BIG RAPIDS – Providing equal opportunity for individuals in the
construction industry is important to Associated Builders and
Contractors (ABC) of Michigan. It is this belief that led the
organization’s leaders to contribute to the Michigan Construction Hall
of Fame (MCHOF) Endowment at Ferris State University.

“Our
chapters and contractor members have long had a positive relationship
with Ferris,” ABC of Michigan President and CEO Chris Fisher said. “We
have members from across the state who have served on advisory boards,
been involved in the Construction Management program and been elected to
the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame at Ferris.

“ABC and
Ferris share a deep and profound appreciation for the importance of the
construction industry and building our future,” Fisher added.

Ferris
also exemplifies the principles of Merit Shop construction, which is a
philosophy based on the belief every company has the right to bid and be
awarded construction contracts based solely upon the merit of their
work as opposed to their affiliation with labor organizations, he
explained. The goal of the philosophy is to create equal opportunity in
the construction field.

“The quality of ABC of Michigan
contractors underscores the importance of a world-class workforce that
is innovative, productive and at the top of their game,” Fisher said.
“To achieve excellence, companies need the best talent possible. ABC and
Ferris are on the forefront of groundbreaking trends in the industry,
such as Building Information Modeling and green building, which will
strengthen the core knowledge of industry professionals.”

Added
College of Engineering Technology Interim Dean Ron McKean, “Ferris helps
prepare Construction Management students to have the skills necessary
to meet current and future demands in the construction industry, and
gifts such as ABC’s help strengthen the educational opportunities Ferris
provides.”

ABC of Michigan is a statewide trade association
dedicated to providing Michigan with high-quality, affordable, safe and
on-time construction. ABC of Michigan is an equal opportunity
organization that opposes all discrimination in the construction
industry, including discrimination based on union affiliation. A leading
construction industry voice with state government, ABC provides many
member services including legislative advocacy, networking
opportunities, member benefits, legal updates, business development and
educational opportunities.

The MCHOF Endowment was established by
Ken and Cynthia Lawless of Portland, Mich., to provide further
recognition of recipients of the Distinguished Constructor Award. The
MCHOF is located in Ferris’ Granger Center for Construction and Heating,
Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, and it serves as a
permanent place for faculty, staff, students and the community to
appreciate the achievements of leaders in the Michigan construction
industry.

Selection for induction into the MCHOF as a recipient
of the Distinguished Constructor Award is by a committee of
professionals representing ABC, Associated General Contractors of
America, Construction Association of Michigan, Michigan Infrastructure
and Transportation Association, Michigan Association of Home Builders
and Ferris State University Construction Technology and Management
department. Criteria for selection include achievement in technical,
managerial and leadership areas, state or national prominence as a
result of industry or community activities, and service to the
profession and community.

“The Distinguished Constructor Award
recognizes an individual who has left a significant mark on the
construction industry and community because of their consistent service
and achievement,” McKean added.

For more information or to make a
gift to the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame Endowment or Ferris
State University, please contact The Ferris Foundation at (231) 591-2365
or fsufdn@ferris.edu. Details about establishing scholarships
or endowments may be obtained from the university’s Advancement Office
at (231) 591-3825.